Madison Manor Citizen www.madisonmanor.org

The newsletter of the Madison Manor Civic Association February 2016

President’s Letter Hello Neighbors, Wishing you a wonderful and joyous New Year! Wow, the recent winter weather (a.k.a Snowzilla, Snowpocalypse, Snowmageddon 2016) sure lived up to all the hype. I recognize the storm dealt us some serious inconveniences and I hope everyone stayed safe. However, it also highlighted what makes our community so wonderful. It showcased such a sense of togetherness to see residents helping out their neighbors who needed an extra hand with shoveling. Or, to see neighbors using our “MMCA Discuss” email list to keep us all up to speed on road conditions and the status of snow removal. And, to see SO MANY families playing out in the snow and making Quantico Hill into the best sledding hill in Arlington! To continue this spirit of community, the Madison Manor Civic Association (MMCA) will be offering many wonderful events in the coming months. Please take a minute to review the calendar of events (on right) and mark your calendars. I would like to recognize Carly Kelly for another tremendous job managing this year’s membership drive and publishing our Neighborhood Directory. As of February 8th, we had 243 households with paid dues. Although it is too late to be included in the directory, it is not too late to join MMCA. Anyone joining between February and August will get an electronic version of the directory. Please contact Carly Kelly (carlykelly@gmail.com) if you are interested. MMCA relies primarily on neighborhood dues and donations to fund our events, so your $10 annual contribution truly makes a difference! We also want to thank all of the households that opted to receive an electronic directory in lieu of paper (over 70% of you)! This represents a significant cost savings for MMCA. Finally, I will be reaching out to those of you who noted on your membership form an interest in volunteering in some capacity. Thanks in advance for your support and for becoming more involved with our amazing community! Wishing you a great rest of the winter and look forward to seeing and hearing from you soon. Best, Dave Blair MMCA Acting President

Calendar of Events

2016 Stream Clean-up Sat, March 19th, 9:30am-noon Madison Manor Park Easter Egg Hunt & Parade Saturday, March 26th at 10am Madison Manor Park Invasive Plant Removal Saturday, April 16th at 2pm Madison Manor Park Invasive Plant Removal Saturday, May 21st at 2pm Madison Manor Park Memorial Day Bike Parade Monday, May 30th at 10am 12th Rd & 11th Rd Intersection Summer Picnic Sunday, June 5th, 5-8pm Madison Manor Park

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Join the MMCA Listservs! To join “Announce” and receive important community updates send an email to: mmcaAnnounce-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To join “Discuss” and discuss neighborhood issues send an email to: mmcaDiscuss-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

MMCA Officers for 2015 - 2016

Acting President David Blair Vice President Vacant Treasurer Steve Elsberg Secretary Stacy Noblet Membership Chair Carly Kelly Committee Chairs

Annual Neighborhood Events Egg Hunt & Parade Nikki Baltatzis Halloween Bonfire Judy Henderson Halloween Decorating Contest Last year’s winners Holiday Caroling MaryLu Mahoney Holiday Decorating Contest Last year’s winners Memorial Day Parade Amy Meehan Stream Clean Up Jon Walsh Summer Movie Nights Karyn Ewart Summer Picnic Vacant Yard Sale Vacant Neighborhood Committees Civic Federation Delegates Ann Unitas

Vacant Invasive Plants Task Force Lawrence MacDonald Jo Allen Ted Wheeler Neighborhood Conservation Parker Harrington New Neighbor Welcome Charlene Harkin Newsletter Ann Kurzius

Stacy Noblet Newsletter Distribution Laura Dufrat Julie Stradling

Errin Matechak Web Site Tara Claeys Young Entrepreneurs Tammi McKinley

Got News? Got Pictures? If you have community news or photos you’d like to share in our newsletter, we want to hear from you! Please send your stories or announcements to annkurzius@gmail.com. News should be no more than 300 words in length and photos must be digital.

Madison Manor Citizen Founding Publisher Jonathan Harmon The Madison Manor Citizen is the newsletter of the Madison Manor Civic Association of Arlington, Virginia. The Citizen is reviewed by the Officers of the Association and will now be published triannually, generally in January, late April, and September. The Citizen has a circulation of 575 copies. Deadlines for submissions to the Citizen are the 10th of the month prior to publishing. Exceptions to the deadline will be considered. Articles should be of general interest to the residents of our community and may be edited or rejected. Space is limited. Contact the Publisher. The Citizen accepts advertisements. All ads need to be submitted in black and white, camera-ready form. Please contact David Blair at mmcapresident@gmail.com for ad rates and sizes. Copyright © 2016 Madison Manor Civic Association

Newsletters Are Available Online

Check out our website at

www.madisonmanor.org for color photos, posted newsletters, and lots

of great information.

HELP WANTED

Please email mmcapresident@gmail.com to inquire about opportunities to get involved. Current vacancies listed on the left.

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Madison Manor Community Announcements & Events

First ‘Good Neighbor’ Award Goes to Picnic Co-Chairs After deliberation, the MMCA officers unanimously chose Angela DiBenigno and Becca Barnes to share the first-ever Madison Manor Good Neighbor Award for their hard work heading up our community's flagship annual event, the summer picnic in Madison Manor Park. The two co-chairs have put in a significant amount of time behind the scenes, planning and running the June event and making it a wonderful one for the whole neighborhood to enjoy, whether single or a family, young or old. Going far beyond a mere potluck, the event

features moon bounces, face painting, an ice cream truck, and live music from two local bands, all contributing to a successful summer evening that draws a big turnout. The prestigious Good Neighbor Award includes a gift card for Lost Dog Cafe in Westover for each winner. Plans call for the award to be given annually to the resident who has done the most to improve life in Madison Manor. To nominate someone for the 2016 award, just submit his or her name to any of the MMCA officers before the end of the year. Holiday Decorating Contest Winners In December, judges toured the entire neighborhood, driving up and down every street to see all the impressive holiday displays. As always, it was a difficult decision. “Adult's Choice” Award The Summers family on 12th St N Honorable Mentions: The Coyle Family on N Potomac St The Bozzo Family on 12th Place N

“Kid's Choice” Award The Plimpton on N Potomac St Honorable mentions: The Sugai Family on 12th St N Lisa Novak and John Sutherland on N Quintana St

Color photos of the winning houses will be posted on the Madison Manor website (http://madisonmanor.org). Congratulations to our winners, who will be our lead judges for the contest next year! ‘Snowzilla’ Blitzes Neighborhood Streets The Quantico Street hill was the place to be for sled-happy neighborhood kids enjoying snow days in late January.

The award-winning team has been working together for 25 years! Angela (right) was

Becca’s (left) wedding planner.

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Community News

Crime in Madison Manor We remain one of the safest communities in Arlington. The county police department (ACPD) reports a grand total of 20 “incidents” in Madison Manor in 2015

5 fraud 3 harassing communication 2 larceny 2 larceny from auto 1 accident hit and run 1 auto theft

1 disorderly conduct 1 destruction of property (graffiti) 1 marijuana 1 missing juvenile 1 suspicious incident 1 trespassing

The fraud incidents were most often breaches of personal data online, explains Captain Patrick J. Donahue, commander of ACPD's First District, which includes our neighborhood. Fraud is trending upward countywide, he reports. Most frequent are robocalls claiming to be from the IRS, followed by phone calls about fictitious fines owed for “missing jury duty.” Sometimes these calls cite the names of real county officials to lend seeming legitimacy. One newer type of fraud in the county, says Donahue, targets people selling items online via eBay or other websites. The seller is mailed a check for much more than the amount due, then gets an email or phone call demanding an immediate refund of the overpaid amount. Once that refund is sent, the original check bounces. Scammers Becoming More Creative and Aggressive Here are typical stories that scammers tell homeowners, according to the ACPD. The worst of the offenders target elderly or incapacitated residents. Have you heard any of these? From someone you've hired to do work on your home or yard: “I need to be paid in cash immediately. I'll drive with you to the ATM.” From a stranger at your door: “We just sealed your neighbor's driveway, have materials left over, and can give you a great deal if we seal your driveway today!” “We happened to be driving by and noticed you need repairs immediately or your home will be unsafe. We'll fix those loose shingles/repair your chimney/take down that tree at a reduced price.” “We've completed the work you wanted on your property and need to be paid” (hoping you'll blame your failing memory when you don't recall asking for any work to be done).

Capt. Donahue, ACPD

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The ACPD lists red flags to watch out for: The solicitor's truck or vehicle has no business name imprinted. The solicitor is on foot, with no vehicle in sight. He or she has no license or permit, or is unwilling to provide credentials (county law requires all

vendors, peddlers, and canvassers to have permits and show them on request). You're given an invoice that's not preprinted with the name of the business. The solicitor doesn't seem to know his product or service well enough to answer questions. The price or discount seems too good to be true. The solicitor claims to be from your utility company but has no marked vehicle, uniform, or credentials.

(If in doubt, phone the company.) A contractor wants full payment up front. A contractor you've hired wants multiple checks written to persons not on the job, or asks to be driven to

the bank where you'll make multiple large cash withdrawals. Seeing just one of these red flags may not indicate you're being scammed. Use your judgment! Is Your Home Really Secure? The ACPD offers this checklist to protect your personal safety at home:

House numbers are clearly displayed, in large block numbers, preferably to right of front door, and are visible day and night from 30 feet away, so in an emergency fire and police vehicles can find the house quickly.

Doors feature wide-angle peepholes at heights everyone in the home can use. All entries have a working, keyed lock plus a sturdy deadbolt lock installed into the door frame. If the garage door has a remote, the remote is removed from the vehicle if the vehicle is parked outside. The door leading from the attached garage to the house is protected with a deadbolt. Garage windows are kept locked and covered. Garage doors are kept closed when not in use. Sliding glass doors have strong, working locks—and Charlie bars to prevent rocking the doors from

their tracks. Blinds and curtains are closed after dark so people and things in the house aren't visible to passersby. Basement windows have some type of covering. Important papers (passports, birth and death certificates, deed to the house, title to the car, etc.) are kept

in a safe deposit box or a fireproof safe stored in a very secure location. The whole family knows the plan for how everyone will respond in the event of a fire, power outage, or

natural disaster. Outgoing mail is never left in the mailbox for pickup. Bicycles are registered with the ACPD, locked with a U-lock, and secured to something heavier than the

bike. Nothing of any value is left in a vehicle. (If you fear car windows will be smashed by would-be thieves,

it's OK to leave vehicle unlocked once valuables have been removed.) The next Madison Manor Citizen will feature ACPD's safety tips for at the office, on the street, and elsewhere, as well as guidelines for reporting suspected crimes.

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Have You Discovered ‘Nextdoor Madison Manor’? ACPD has started using the private social network “Nextdoor” to keep residents informed and updated about neighborhood crime and safety issues, to answer questions, and to gather community input. To join the Madison Manor part of this online network, point your web browser to nextdoor.com, enter your email and street address, and click “get started.” In addition to ACPD alerts, you'll find lots of other interesting queries, classified ads, and other posts from Madison Manor and surrounding neighborhoods.

Homeowners’ Q&A What Are Your Pipes Trying To Tell You? The good folks at Moss Building and Design in Chantilly answer a question they're often asked by their northern Virginia homeowner clients. Q. Our plumbing pipes are making strange noises. Should I be worried? A. Typically when one of our Moss Home Services plumbing professionals evaluates your pipes, he will ask you exactly what kind of sound they’re making. Is it a thumping sound? A loud pounding noise? A whistle? While it may seem like a silly question, the type of sound your pipes make can tell you a lot about what’s wrong with them. For instance, a common home plumbing problem involves the pressure regulating valves (PRV). If your pipes make a loud thumping sound, even if you’re just running a quick bath, then your PRV could be the problem. The PRV helps regulate water that comes in from the county water mains at a high pressure. While high water pressure can be great for showers, it can put stress on your pipes--enter PRV. A poorly functioning PRV can create this thumping noise. If left unchecked, a faulty PRV can lead to ruptured pipes. Even the tiniest leak can damage your walls and floors. If you are concerned your plumbing pipes are making strange noises, whether it’s a thump or a whistle, the best thing to do is to call a professional. Being proactive to make sure your plumbing is in order will not only put your mind at ease but could potentially save you thousands of dollars in water damage repair. The professionals at Moss Home Services are always available to answer your questions and assess any home improvement needs you may have. To schedule an appointment, call 703-961-7707.

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Neighborhood Real Estate Stats

2015 Home Sales in Madison Manor There were a total of 15 home sales last year in our neighborhood: six colonials, two ramblers, two split levels, two ramblers, two cape cods, and one craftsman style. Closing prices ranged from $650,000 for a cape cod to $1,403,625 for the craftsman. Most houses sold in well under a month; number of days on the market ranged from 5 to 39, except for the craftsman, which took 359 days to find a buyer. New Madisonians, welcome to a great neighborhood!

Advice for Gardeners Winter: A Time for Rest and Reflection Danylo Kosovych, Organic Edible Gardens LLC

We're several weeks past the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. From ancient times, cultures have held religious celebrations on and around the winter solstice, when the year's agricultural work was finished, the days were short and cold, and people tended to take shelter, free from many of their chores. If you make your living as a landscaper as I do, the agricultural ebb and flow of the seasons still largely applies. Likewise, if you have a garden in Virginia, your plants are in dormancy now and the ground is frozen, so this is a good time to rest, relax, and reflect. The year’s gardening work is finished. Take some time off! While snow has to be removed from paved surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets, it can be left as is on planted surfaces. Plants with marginal cold hardiness should have been mulched and protected from frost before the onset of winter. Late winter is the best time of the year for pruning dormant plants, but not until February or March. Many organizations have realized that giving their employees time off can actually increase their productivity and quality of work when they return. Progressive companies like Google are known to give employees an entire month off, in an effort to boost creativity and innovation. Removing yourself from direct mental and physical engagement with your work allows you to rest and refresh mind and body—and return to work with a different perspective. A change of scenery and a break from the ordinary routine can produce brand new insights. If you keep records on your garden, now is a good time to look them over and think about the next year. Walk the garden in winter, and take note of the structure of trees and shrubs now that they're bare of leaves. Pay attention to the garden beds and pathways, whose layout is easier to see without all the vegetative growth of the summer. But most importantly, take a load off. Read a book next to the fire. Go away on vacation. Socialize with family and friends. Eat, drink, and be merry!

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Madison Manor History

Did You Know. . . ? Jim Frison

Did you know that our neighborhood's landmark called Brandymore Castle literally put what was to become Madison Manor on the map? Known to surveyors in colonial times, Brandymore Castle, in the northwest corner of Madison Manor, is the limestone outcrop on top of a hill just off the bike trail on the way to the East Falls Church Metro station. Were you to go back in time many hundreds of years, Brandymore Castle and Four Mile Run are the two local features you would recognize. And those features are what Charles Broadwater noticed as he did the first surveys of this area in 1724. He referred to the hill as “the Rock Stones called Brandymore Castle.” Its prominence provided a well-established location for proscribing the boundaries of land ownership. Five of the 18th century land grants in the Four Mile Run area reference this landmark. There is general agreement that it was called “Castle” because the hill with its rocky summit, surrounded on three sides by Four Mile Run, would have given the appearance of the collapsed battlements of a castle surrounded by a moat. As to "Brandymore," we can only speculate that Mr. Broadwater had worked up quite a thirst doing his surveying and perhaps wished for more than water from Four Mile Run to quench it. The construction of I-66 and a sound abatement wall has obscured Four Mile Run and its moat-like appearance. And the once large limestone outcrop at the summit has deteriorated due to weathering, quarrying, and vandalism, with broken boulders in stages of tumbling down the hillside. The small forest has grown back, surrounded by homes and I-66, hiding Brandymore Castle from casual view. Every Madison Manor resident should pay a visit to the top of Brandymore Castle at least once. It offers a nice view of the western horizon, especially lovely at sunset. Access it from the W&OD trail, from the 1300 block of N. Quintana, or from the 1700 block of Roosevelt. And for the easiest route with little climbing, find the public right-of-way at the very end of 15th Place North. Go through the Sycamore Ridge parking lot and use the gate just beyond the last townhouse (please close the gate behind you.) After filling our vacant executive committee positions, perhaps we should consider forming a Madison Manor militia to defend our Castle, in case another neighborhood wants to storm it.

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In Memoriam Farewell to Two Longtime Neighbors Two longtime residents of our neighborhood passed away in 2015. Russell Keune, 77, who lived on Potomac Street since 1970 and whose article on the building of Madison Manor appeared in the November issue of this newsletter, died December 3 at his home. The cause was an especially fast-moving form of pancreatic cancer, diagnosed only in late October. He is survived by Ingrid Christina Keune, to whom he was married for 47 years, son Eric, daughter-in-law Kubinne Kim, and grandson Alexander, all of Chicago. Russell, a Chicago native and graduate of the University of Illinois with both bachelor and master degrees in architecture, had a long and distinguished career in historic preservation. From the 1960s through the 1990s, he held key positions at the National Park Service, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Institute of Architects, and the U.S. Committee on the UN's International Council on Monuments and Sites. He was a passionate collector of miniature buildings (over 800) and two antique Packard automobiles, an ongoing source of engagement. He enjoyed a good laugh, a memorable turn of phrase, an unexpected punch line, even the occasional mischievous prank. Contributions to the Russell V. Keune Memorial Fund may be sent to the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Nannie Frances Fletcher Weaver, 96, who lived at 971 N. Rochester Street since 1963, died peacefully at her home on August 5, 2015. She was one of eight children born on a 460-acre farm in Fauquier County to the late Thomas L. and Mary E. Fletcher. She worked at the Seven Corners Woodward and Lothrop for many years, first as a seamstress, then as a sales associate in the “home” department until Woodies shut down. Preceded in death by her husband, John Y. Weaver, she is survived by their three children: Richard T. K. Weaver and his wife, Janice, of Amissville, VA; Frances Anne Smith and her husband, Richard, of Springfield, VA; and Cindy Elizabeth Weaver Boggs and her husband, Donnie, of Broad Run, VA, as well as two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A member of Faith Lutheran Church, Mrs. Weaver was a true southern lady with class and charm. Memorial contributions may be made to Capital Caring Hospice, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, VA 22042.

Russell Keune, 1938-2015

Frances Weaver, 1918-2015

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Local Book Nook

Looking To Join a Book Club? The Madison Manor book club, now over two years old, is still going strong but can no longer accept new members, lest its monthly meetings exceed the seating capacity of most living rooms! To the rescue: local indie bookshop One More Page Books (OMP), which hosts seven monthly book clubs in the shop at 2200 N. Westmoreland Street. Meetings last about an hour; each lively discussion is moderated by a volunteer or an OMP staffer. New members are always welcome, and there’s no need to RSVP – just show up! All books selected for discussion are 20 percent off at OMP. Meeting times and current/upcoming book selections are listed below. For more details, call the store at 703-300-9746 or visit www.onemorepagebooks.com.

General Fiction – First Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. (Welcome to Braggsville by T. Geronimo Johnson) Nonfiction – Second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. (Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin by Jill Lepore) Daytime – Second Friday of the month at 11 a.m. (Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight) Mystery & Suspense – Third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. (And Justice There Is None by Deborah Crombie) Mother-Daughter (Girls age 11+ and their moms) – One Sunday each month at 3 p.m. (Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson) Holistic Health & Wellness – Fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. (Healthy at 100: The Scientifically Proven Secrets of the World’s Healthiest and Longest Lived Peoples by John Robbins) Interfaith Book Club – Fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. (A Religion of One’s Own: A Guide to Creating a Personal Spiritually in a Secular World by Thomas Moore)

Wine Tastings In addition to books, OMP carries wine and artisan chocolates and hosts free wine tastings on the first Friday of every month, at 6:30 p.m. On occasion the store also offers samplings of chocolate and beer. Teen Book Festival Is Back! On Saturday, March 5, more than 20 Young Adult (YA) authors will participate in the third annual NoVa TEEN Book Festival – an exciting all-day (9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) FREE literary festival at Washington-Lee High School, for teens and YA readers. It's sponsored by OMP, the public libraries of Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties, George Mason University’s Fall for the Book, and other area public library and school systems. For more information or to register, visit http://novateenbookfestival.com.

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Young Entrepreneurs Need a helping hand? Contact these young entrepreneurs in our neighborhood!

Regan and Braeden's Pet Care Services: Available during the week, as well as weekends. Regan and Braeden have three dogs, a crested gecko, and a snake. To hire them, call (703) 237-6136. They come to your home to walk your dogs and care for your cats and you can bring your fish and birds and hamsters for a sleepover. References include dogs, cats, rats, gerbils, a dwarf hamster, a rabbit, and bearded dragons. Contact: regansmom@hotmail.com

Patrick's Pets: Patrick is available to watch your pets while you are away. Reasonable rates and references available. Willing to take small animals home for full-time attention. Can also pick up mail, water plants, etc. Dogs will be considered if they have a fenced in backyard. Contact (703) 237-7975 or dhramp@yahoo.com

Morgan Birkenstock: Babysitting/Pet sitting/House watching/Homework help. I am a 13 year old 8th grader who is Red Cross Certified. I can babysit children of any age; walk dogs and care for pets; collect mail and water plants while you’re away; and help younger children with homework after school. Contact: paulabirkenstock@yahoo.com

Matthew and Alec's Twin Services: Experience walking

and taking care of dogs

Raking Picking up mail and

newspapers when neighbors are gone

References available upon request. Contact: (703) 842-4821 or (703) 869-4259

Babysitter & Petsitter: Brenna (7th grade) is able to sit for young children (preferably over the age of 2). American Red Cross certified. Also available for petsitting needs. References available upon request. Please contact Brenna’s mom, Amy, at (904) 673-6842 (cell) or amy_larrymeehan@yahoo.com

Corrie Steele (age 16): Red Cross-trained Babysitter, Pet Care, Typing and Data Entry, Soccer Skills Tutoring. Contact: (703) 532-2496 or julie.steele@hok.com

Abbie Strebe: I am 13 and a Red Cross certified babysitter. I charge $8 an hour. I have experience babysitting babies as well as young children. I am available to help out with birthday parties, and I can also assist with games, face painting, and dressing up for a girl's princess party. Contact: alstrebe@gmail.com

Braeden’s Mowing and Snow Shoveling: Need someone to come over and mow? Shovel your snow? Braeden is experienced and at the ready. Contact: regansmom@hotmail.com

Jessica Layton, Babysitter: Jessica is 13 and a Red Cross certified babysitter. She loves helping take care of children of all ages! Jessica has been babysitting for a year on her street. She is alsa willing to be a mother’s helper for anyone who needs it. Jessica can also watch your cat or any small animals while you are away. Contact: jessieqstreet@gmail.com

Jacob Hall(age 14) is a tech geek. He can therefore help you set up your computer, network, or email. Contact: totallyuneekemail@gmail.com He's your neighborhood tech support!

Ben Celestino: Interested in beginning piano or clarinet lessons? Contact Yorktown junior Ben Celestino at (571) 438-8067, bcdcsports@comcast.net, or visit his Facebook page "Crescendo: piano and Clarinet Lessons with Ben Celestino”

Brian Taylor Steele (age 14): Leaf Blowing, Snow Shoveling, Dog Walking, Pet Sitting Contact: (703) 532-2496 or julie.steele@hok.com

PLEASE CONTACT TAMMI MCKINLEY AT tammi@novamidwife.org

IF YOUR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ARE INTERESTED IN BEING LISTED

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Madison Manor Classifieds

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Advertising in the Madison Manor Citizen is a great way for local businesses to reach this community of over 500 families. Why not

insert your ad in our next issue? All ads need to be submitted in black and white, camera-ready form. For ad rates and sizes, please

contact David Blair at mmcapresident@gmail.com.